NCC Sensitise University Of Abuja Community on Copyright, Related Rights

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In renewed efforts to strengthen partnership with stakeholders in the academia, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) on March 7, 2017 took the entire Community of the University of Abuja through the rudiments of Copyright and other related rights.

The one-day sensitisation seminar is part of the Commission's awareness mandate aimed at developing a vibrant copyright culture where creativity is promoted, cultivated and respected through its awareness creation programme.

Director-General, NCC, Mr. Afam Ezekude who disclosed this while giving an opening address at the event added that NCC through its training arm, the Nigerian Copyright Institute has been providing Copyright and related rights training programmes for institution and industries across the country.

He said the Commission has in the past provided support for the teaching of intellectual property at tertiary institutions, as well as the development of instructional modules and teaching aids for both academics and non-academics communities, under a joint programme with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

According to him forum such as this, will not only provide the opportunity to highlight and correct misconceptions about copyright and related matters but also create an opportunity to entrench a culture of respect for Intellectual Property to young adults, who are not only digitally inclined but also represent a sizeable demographic involved in the creation and use of Copyright materials.

While appreciating the efforts of the organising committee and resources persons, the DG noted that the Commission is ever ready to work with the Management of the University in consolidating the gains of the programme through further joint initiatives.

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Professor M. U. Adikwu represented by the Deputy, VC Professor, Mohammad Abdulahi Kacha, applauded efforts of the Commission and that of the Organising Committee noting that the seminar is timely.

He said the topics and the entire programme is well thought-of as the University is presently plagued by all manner of academic and social vices, adding that many people carry out research without knowing anything about copyright.

The DVC also bemoaned lack of adequate copyright knowledge among the academicians stressing that many creators do not know their rights and legal implication of pirating intellectual properties belonging to others.

Professor Kacha, while conveying the VC's regards assured that the training will no doubt impact positively on the entire academic community.